What does noble masculinity look like?
It’s a question a lot of men have been asking for the past few years.
American men are having an identity crisis. The meaning of masculinity has changed from what it meant just 20 years ago, and a lot of guys are having a hard time adjusting.
It’s a serious problem: studies show that many men don’t have enough close friends, they don’t have long-term goals, and they struggle to relate to women, sometimes to the point of veering into dangerously misogynistic territory.
Some of this problem is rooted in economic impersonalism: a globalized “free” market that produces income inequality (the opposite of freedom), and an upsurge of automation that minimizes the need for manual labor.
Some of this problem is rooted in cultural realignment: conceptions of masculine identity that rely on features like toughness, dominance, self-reliance, heterosexuality, emotional repression, and the avoidance of traditionally feminine attitudes and behaviors aren’t working the way they used to.
It’s no wonder that so many men are attracted to leaders who promise them a return to their (presumably) rightful position atop the social order by redirecting society back to a more “traditional” culture.
The problem is that men aren’t looking back far enough.
If men want to feel great again, then the traditional role models they’re looking for can be found in the ancient pages of the Bhagavad-gita.
The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita provides us with excellent examples of what it meant to be a man in the past, what it means in the present, and what it will still mean in the future.
The Gita uses the Sanskrit word “Bhagavan,” meaning “the possessor of all opulences,” to describe Krishna.
For example, in the Gita, Krishna speaks to Arjuna from the position of God, but Krishna doesn’t try to dominate and doesn’t demand loyalty; he offers his love to Arjuna and invites Arjuna to love him in return.
During the course of his conversation with Arjuna, Krishna encourages critical thinking and models generosity, patience, and kindness. He doesn’t belittle anyone or engage in performative theatrics; he shows us how to be a good friend who cares deeply about others.
Arjuna is also exemplary. He speaks to Krishna from the position of being the world’s greatest warrior. And yet, Arjuna isn’t arrogant; he exemplifies humility. He’s not a cheater; he exemplifies integrity. And he’s not afraid to acknowledge and share his feelings.
Arjuna is committed to serving the greater good, not gaining power for himself. He models the values of a great leader: chivalry, knowledge, skill, and a commitment to righteous conduct.
And one of his first concerns is the safety of women. He understands that the duty of a virtuous man is to protect women from men who pursue feelings of superiority through the subjugation of women.
In times of uncertainty, men naturally seek leaders who project strength. But the exercise of power bereft of moral principles inevitably results in confusion and chaos.
For men who aspire to restore a divine order in which they have a place of strength, integrity, honor, and dignity, the Bhagavad-gita provides a model of what noble masculinity looks like.
Wishing you all good fortune,
– Hari-k